By Margaret Kamba 

ZANU PF Elders Council Chairman Cde Sidney Sekeramayi says the war was not an easy walk in the park, hence the need to reverence Heroes Day.

Speaking ahead of the Heroes and Defence Forces Day to be held on the 11th and 12th of August, 2025, Cde Sekeramayi said the countries in the region helped facilitate the training for a not so easy assignment.

"This Heroes Day we must observe and respect it because while we were given this land by God, it was necessary to fight and liberate from colonial rule. Many young men and women volunteered to fight for this country and countries such as Ghana, Tanzania were determined to see us obtain that freedom. Mozambique, Zambia and China gave us their facilities to train," Cde Sekeramayi said. 

"It was not an easy assignment. It was a difficult assignment, but we had boys and girls who were determined to free this country. They gave their whole lives despite knowing it was not a walk over."

Secretary for Gender and Culture, Cde Thandie Mukusha said the young people must respect the day.

"This year, the day is being celebrated on the 11th day and this day differs every year. Thus day is important because of the sacrifices the daughters and sons of Zimbabwe made during and after the revolution. This day also remembers the sacrifices of the First Chimurenga heroes and heroines like Mbuya Nehanda. They resisted the invasion of the white people but could not overcome," Cde Mukusha said.

"Nyadzonia camp was bombed on the 9th of August and a lot of the comrades were killed in their numbers. The young people must therefore recognize the importance of this day and teach their children as well."